First Turkey Hunt - Questions

[Synic]

I'll be trying to take a turkey thus spring with a bow (not lucky enough in the lottery!) and I have a question.

Assuming I take a turkey; I plan on field dressing it prior to going to the registration station.  There's no way I can afford to get a full mount done but I'd like to do something with the beard and tail feathers.  Any tips on preserving those to ensure they look good?  How about tips on clipping them successfully?

[kenhuntin]

To remove the beard pluck the feathers form around to see better and then make a couple cuts along the sides until you get to the base. there is a white casing around it to guide the knife. It removes rather easy. The fan is best skun off. Save the feathers on top of the bird at the base of the tail. they are pretty and they will cover the long quills of the fan for display. As you peel back the skin you will see where to cut to remove the tail. Do not remove too much of the yellow stuff but when it is off trim away all the meat and extra fat then cover all the sinews of the beard and tail with borax. (20 mule team laundry soap) Spread out the fan on a plywood and hold the feathers in place with pushpins or small brads. your first nail should go under the tail and then spread out the fan and tack each individual feather so there are no gaps but also maximizing the spread. Keep top dressing the skin and connective tissue for about a week as needed. and let it dry for a month.

[thunderpout]

Do a fan mount.... cut the beard and tail feathers (keep the fan intact) you use Borax on the remaining flesh that you leave on the end of the beard and fan, pin the fan into a full display on cardboard to let it dry.  You may want to save the spurs also.  I have a friend who's a taxidermist that showed me how to do this and I have a merriams and a eastern mounted this way, nicer than most taxidermist's fan mounts.... its actually pretty easy and it looks really nice when mounted on a nice peice of wood/plaque to put on the wall... I know I didnt give much on details, but Im sure theres good step by step info on the net that will help ya do it....

[Auggie]

  Something you do it yourselfers always leave out is a good washing. Birds are dirty critters and a good washing and degreasing will really bring out that luster. If anyone is interested I will be holding one day seminars in my shop a couple Saturdays during and after the season for those that would like to learn how to do it correctly. Most materials will be provided including a laser engraved hardwood plaque to display your fan, and directions to build a proper drying board. Dates are yet to be determined and if you can't make one of them we can work out a time to get you in at your convenience. Cost is $75. To reserve a spot please call 507-947-3753.